What are you washing with? Sponge, synthetic wool, sheepskin, etc. As far as cleaner wax goes, just wash, clay, and cleaner wax. That's it. Durability wise it should last a month or so. Hopefully we can get you to graduate from the auto parts stuff

 

im using a microfiber mitt bad or good?

 

i prefer natural sheepskin. Microfiber tends to trap the dirt in its pile. Using a natural sheepskin, you rinse the fibers after each panel. It's a lot softer than microfiber and the soap/water mixture fluffs nicely in between the fibers

 

alright sounds good, im going to do the cleaner wax on friday so I will post pics once everything is done

 

thanks for the help! im going to be back for more help lol

 

Pltnmlifestyle,

In addtion to Moe's tips you can also consider the shmitt wash mitt, I've been using this for over a year now from prototype version to the current one and dirt will not stay on this wash pad using it properly. In the last few months I added a foam gun the mix to use in conjunction with the Shmitt and the grit guard for the wash. I found that in addition I've save some time in the wash but I've seen fewer swirls and light scratches on the cars I've maintained for customers.

so with the shmitt/foam gun/grit guards/and two buckets you will be on your way to a swirl free wash.

Grit guard:


Shmitt:





Foam gun in action:


Some videos:

How to use the foam gun:
http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/foam.html

Some more washing tips:
http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/washing.html

 

I'm a fan of gadgets and toys to play with. However, I never understood why those grit guards were necessary if you rinse out the mitt after each panel. As I mentioned, I'm not a fan of the foam because small dirt particles can get trapped in the cells and possibly scratch the finish. I try and keep things simple; we all have enough rules and restrictions to deal with daily, why make washing a car difficult. I use one bucket, one 100% Australian sheepskin wash mitt, and some zymol clear. I work in small sections, a door, half the hood, trunk lid, etc. and as soon as I'm done washing with the soap, I rinse the panel and the wash mitt. This way, I've flushed the dirt off the panel and I've cleaned my wash mitt. The soap water in my bucket always stays clean since I never double-dip with the wash mitt. After about 10-15 washes, I discard the mitt and use a new one. For less than $8 a mitt, not worth risking swirls to save a few bucks. Simple, yet effective.

 

Moe you make a great point however two buckets and grit guards (a very small investment) are a great way to avoid anything bad from happening, I rather have a few more preventive measures on my side than having one bucket without a grit guard. You just never know.

Some love the Shmitt some like the traditional sheepskin but they both do the job making sure they are clean before each panel is the key.

 

Anyone have a recommendation? Thanks

 

I like the videos! Good demos for cutting/polishing.

Where do I get a foam gun? (i.e. do you have a hook up for a fellow enthusiast? wink-wink ). I checked your site, but couldn't find one.

I'm too lazy to wash each panel individually (sorry ). Also, what type of soap do you use in it? I have Mezerna Auto Shampoo...does that work? thanks.

 

I'm with you Moe. Never could understand the two bucket method. sheepskin wash mitt, rince mit often and working in small sections never fails. I guess people can spend more on crafting this art if they want. But, as with many things in life it comes down to doing the basics.

 

Moe,

first I want to thank you again for taking the time to discuss with me how to bring my 8 year old paint to look like new again, although it was not bad before I started, but it did have some imperfections that are gone now, and the products and process you recommended was great.

I do still have some more work to do but that will be another time, because after spending 18 hours on the process this last time around, I am not wanting to repeat that anytime soon although I did enjoy doing it. Sorry but I do not have any pictures yet but then you may not see the result either online like you would in person, but I can tell you it is great. But as soon as I can find a great back drop to take some I will and post them.

So you already know what I have gotten from you, and I have been reading this thread (and a couple of others of yours), and now I have some questions about some other products:

1. What do you use as your washing mit? I know you mention a Natural Sheepskin, but what do you recommend?

2. I am a bit confused, do you use a 2 bucket system, or what (I am not loking at a over-the-top solution here at this moment as the boss is still heated over teh money I have spent on the car just in the past 6 months of owning it)?

3. What do you use to dry the car? I know you mention a Waffle Weave Microfiber, but what do you recommend?

4. Will the Zymol Wheel Coat work on my wheels (picture for reference)?


5. I need to make my windows look great, especially the front windscreen as it shows signs of wiper abuse (you can see where the wiper blades have gone). So I read that you recommend Meguair's Detailer Line of Glass CLeaner or Autoglym Glass Polish, but for me which one fits best?

6. OK so I dumped the California Duster, and have used the Einszett Detail spray with a microfiber to keep things looking great, but I really would like to have a duster to use, your thoughts and recommendations (I believe you like a Natural Wool Duster)?

Again thanks for working with me and answering all of my other questions I had before.

Steven

 

1. I use a 100% Natural sheepskin wash mitt from Australia/New Zealand, depending on the batch.

2. I don't use the 2-bucket method. I have one bucket, wash a panel, rinse the mitt and the panel, and move on to the rest of the car. Working in small sections and rinsing assures me of proper technique to reduce swirls and scratches. My wash bucket has a clean soap solution since I'm constantly rinsing the mitt after picking up dirt from each panel.

3. I use to use Waffle Weave drying cloths, but now air dry using an Airmax filtered dryer. I still use the drying cloths on full details to speed things up since I'm going to polish and wax the finish anyway.

4. The wheel coat will work on the maintenance. You should also get some rejex to apply every 2 months or so.

5. You would use the Autoglym Glass Polish to polish the windows every 2 months and the Meguiar's Detailer Glass Cleaner to clean windows at every wash.

6. Use the zymol Natural Wool Duster to lightly dust the finish. The duster isn't designed to take the place of washing; it's a great tool to take the superficial dust off from sitting in the garage, driving on to a field at a show, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

Moe, thanks for the info...PM sent BTW

In regards to the Rejex, what part of the wheel do I use that on (i.e. polished clear coat lip, black center section, light gray painted rear section - BTW I hate the build-up of brake dust on the inside of the wheel)?

Cheers

 

What do you guys think of these mitts from Griots?
They say the shaggy shape allows the dirt to come off when giving it a quick shake in a bucket.

I ordered a pair to try em out, they feel extremely soft and seem good quality. I'll report back how they work once I try em.



http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog....1001&SKU=10268